The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1887-08-03

constant harassing their party had been
subjected TO, and finding themselves in
close proximity to the enemy were
EAGER TOR THE FRAY,
And it was they who were about to assume
the offensive, hoping to deal crushing
blow. The untutored mind Of the simple
savage thought only OF these things The
foe was al hand, and their one thought
was Of vengeance. But there was another
factor in the case which Mr.. Poor, who
was on the spot, was not slow TO grasp. A
German warship was at hand, and these
hostilities would afford a pretext for inter
ference. Possibly the flag might be run
up on the plea OF protecting German in
terests, and that would inevitably lead to
complications. Mr.. Poor embodied this
view of the ..:.se in an effective speech,
which was interpreted by Mr.. William
Coe, assistant Secretary of State to Male
toa, and the result was the battle was
averted. 1t will thus be seen that the Ha-
waiian Embassy to Samoa, oft laughed to
scorn as naught but an expensive folly, has
not been wholly devoid OF practical utility.
For once at least, owing 10 the
sAGACITY OF ITS SECRETARY.
1t has proved a mission of peace, and the
instance on record, though perhaps the
most prominent example, is not the only
one in which the good offices OF that gen
tieman have been conducive to useful re-
suits. As matter of fact, Mr.. Poor has
done nearly all the brain-work He has
made thorough studies and has prepared
careful reports OF the genealOgy OF the
native chiefs, the existing and the possible
commerce of the islands, their products
and what they are capable Of producing
etc Obtaining these data has involved ii
great deal OF hard work and too much
credit can scarcely be given to Mr.. Poor for
the ability he has displayed, often under
very trying circumstances.
MR.. J. ;. WEBB
Y .ited Samoa under in struCtions from Mr.
Gibson, in his capacity of paymaster of the
navy, but this alone would not have proved
a sufficient motive. Reports had reached
the Foreign Office TO the effect that Mr.
Bush was conducting his public duties in a
manner which was not calculated to main
tain the prestige of the Kingdom. Accord
iugly Mr.. Webb was dispatched to investi-
SdbC tic lildtICI anu ~ d5GCA tam LIC lSdl
state of affairs. In the absence of that
gentleman, WHO'S expected back at an early
date, it would be premature to anticipate
his report upon so delicate a subject.
Mr.. J. D. STRONG
a companied the Embassy as agent of the
Museum, conformity with Mr.. Henry Poor
or the purpose of obtaining curios and
making sketches. Their collections III
elude kapaa cloth, implements of native
warfare, cookery, drinking vessels. and III
fact nearly all the utensils and implements
in daily use. He has also made a series of
,tudies illustrative of Samoan life and the
scenery of the islands, and judging from
MS description the work entrusted to him
appears to have been very fully carried
out.
ROYAL COURTEsIEs.
The Kaimiloa was the bearer of a hand
some gift from His Majesty King Kala-
kaua to the Samoan monarch. 1t con-
sisted Of q gorgeous uniform and fine
wardrobe. King Maietoa evinced his APP
probation of the courtesy by donning the
uniform upon the occasion OF his reception
Of the Captain and officers of the Kaimiloa
a IC - II iLS'aN pa <AltCl
this His Majesty returned the visit on
b ,ard the Kaniloa, which greeted him
with a salute Of twenty-one guns.
COOL WILL lOwARDs TIL EMBASSY.
Particular inquiry was made by our rep
resentative with the view IF eIcting some
confirmation of the reports that the En-
bassy was "snubbei" on Its arrival. Mr..
Strong u lhes tatingly replied that there
vas not vestige OF truth in these reports.
IN fact, they have become a standing joke
at Apia. Nothing could have exceeded
the kindness and courtesy with which the
mission was received. The King welcomed
them with open arms, and no doubt is en-
tertained that he was honestly glad to see
them. The English and American resi-
dents were equally hOspitable. from the
Consuls doWnwards, and the kindness of
Messrs. H. ). Moors and Parker, two
American born merchants, is especially to
be noted. A gentleman who may be regard
ed as representative of colonial interests
evinced similar goodwill, all regarding the
central idea which animated the mission as
a worthy one. 1t is true that a certain
amount of GOODNESS was shown by the Ger
man firm but this is the only instance of
the kind which could possibly be magnifed
into 'snubbing."